In-vitro and in-vivo, cytotoxicity evaluation of cast functionally graded biomaterials for dental implantology

Abstract

An innovative technique of casting the titanium implant alloys and its calcium phosphate coating using centrifugal casting method was proposed in the current study. This one-step, self-coating technique results in formation of functionally graded biomaterials (FGBMs) of calcium phosphate/Titanium alloys. Two groups of samples (Group 1 and Group 2) were prepared utilizing self-coated titanium‑niobium (Ti-6Al-7Nb) and titanium- vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloys respectively. The cast samples were then prepared for in-vitro cytocompatibility evaluation, in-vivo systemic toxicity and osseointegration evaluation. Cytocompatibility was examined in-vitro on human bone osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2). In-vivo surgical implantation of the samples in the mandible of the experimental dogs was correspondingly implemented. Tests for systemic toxicity, X-ray images, Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and histopathological analysis were obtained for each dog's mandible sample. In-vitro cytocompatibility studies revealed high cytocompatibility of Group 2 in comparison to Group 1. In-vivo results proved safety of Group 2 as regards to systemic toxicity. On the other hand, results of the X-ray images, DEXA and histopathological analysis revealed comparable osseointegration potential of both groups. These results suggest the use of Group2-FGBMs in dental implant manufacturing and prove that FGBMs prepared by centrifugal casting as self-coated implants have good biocompatibility and osseointegration capability.